The two men accused of attempting to bomb Gracie Mansion, the residence of New York City’s mayor, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to federal terrorism charges as prosecutors outlined what they described as an attack plan inspired by extremist ideology.
The suspects, Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, entered their pleas in Manhattan federal court following their indictment on eight counts, including attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction, transportation of explosive materials, and providing material support to the Islamic State group.
Authorities allege the suspects brought explosive devices to a March 7 protest outside Gracie Mansion and attempted to detonate them in a crowd. The devices failed to explode, and no injuries were reported.
Balat and Kayumi both said they were working on behalf of the Islamic State group, with Balat saying he planned to commit an act of terrorism “even bigger” than the Boston Marathon bombing that left three dead in 2013, according to authorities.
Prosecutors say the attack was inspired by the Islamic State group and involved significant planning. Investigators recovered evidence, including bomb-making materials and writings outlining the alleged plot, according to federal officials.
Law enforcement officials have said the suspects intended to kill large numbers of people. Court documents cited by prosecutors indicate the pair discussed causing mass casualties, with authorities alleging they sought to target civilians gathered at the demonstration.
The incident occurred during dueling protests outside Grace Mansion, where a small anti-Islam demonstration was met by a larger counterprotest.
During the confrontation, the suspects allegedly ignited and threw makeshift bombs toward the crowd. The devices, which included volatile chemicals and shrapnel, had the possibility to cause serious injury or death, officials said.
The homemade explosives appeared to be jars wrapped in black tape containing bolts, screws, and a hobby fuse, according to the New York City Police Department bomb squad’s preliminary analysis. The contents of the IEDs are similar to those used by the terrorists at the Boston Marathon in 2013.
GRACIE MANSION PROTEST BOMBERS WANTED TO KILL UP TO 60 PEOPLE IN NEW YORK CITY
Police officers on the scene quickly intervened and arrested the suspects before further harm could occur. Federal and local authorities, including the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, have described the case as an example of an Islamic State group-inspired plot carried out domestically.
Defense attorneys entered not guilty pleas on behalf of both men and are expected to challenge the government’s evidence as the case proceeds.